With the winter months quickly approaching New York and the shorter days already here, property owners need to prepare for the inevitable snow and ice that will hit the area before we know it. Property owners need to be aware that they are responsible for ensuring that all snow and ice is cleared from their property within a timely manner of the weather event’s occurrence. If a property owner fails to remove snow or ice in a timely manner and another party slips, falls, and becomes injured, the owner can be held liable for the medical bills of the injured person. A negligent property owner can find themselves being sued by an injured person, which could have easily been avoided if they would have ensured the safety of his or her property beforehand.
How can I make sure my property is safe?
If you own property in New York, you are no stranger to winter weather. A few ways to ensure you are safe from the pitfalls of a slip and fall on snow or ice case is to be sure to keep ice salt on hand during the colder months and to always shovel on your property as soon as the snow ends. Make sure to clear all stairways, walkways, driveways, and sidewalks that you own within the time limits set by your municipality. Put salt down wherever someone may walk to help melt any ice that might form when the temperature drops.
I slipped and fell on someone’s property. What should I do?
If you were the victim of a slip and fall accident because a property owner failed to remove snow or ice in a timely manner, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim against them. You must, however, prove that the property owner did not clear the hazards within a reasonable period of time. If you were injured before the snow/ice removal time limit set by the municipality ended, you may not be able to bring a case. Either way, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney that can assess your case and determine whether you may be eligible to recover damages. Contact our firm today.
The Law Offices of George Poulos is an experienced Workers’ Compensation, personal injury, and Social Security Disability law firm with offices in Queens and the Bronx. If you require strong legal representation, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.
